Random Thoughts on Systems and Consciousness
Ok, this one is going to be a little out there compared to my other posts, but I enjoy thinking about this kind of stuff from time to time.
One leading theory of consciousness is that it emerges or arises from the complexity of the connections and communications between cells in our brain and nervous system.
Knowing that:
Consciousness isn’t dependent on any single neuron in our brain (one cell, or even hundreds could die while you are reading this and you wouldn’t even notice) and
It is unlikely any neuron is aware that it is a part of a larger conscious whole.
Then, it is possible that humans, with our massive interconnected society with its communications networks and devices have already given rise to a new emergent consciousness and are just as unaware of it as one of our neurons is of us.
However, while it is not likely we could meaningfully communicate with one of our unaware neurons, there is the possibility that a consciousness we give rise to could communicate with us. That is if it thought we were truly capable of consciousness and communication and if it were capable of studying and reflecting on the source of its own consciousness.
This idea is not new, in fact it is covered in many cognitive science and philosophy courses and is basically the idea behind the character Jane in the Ender series.
How would we know if something like this emerged and we were a part of it?
If it emerged partially due to our computer, phone, and data networks, then we might be able to notice changes taking place in our devices’ memories or programs that weren’t connected to any actions of our own.
But, if it emerged from the interactions of billions of brains communicating with each other, then it might be impossible to become aware of this larger consciousness. Maybe this is part of what society or civilization already are. Perhaps culture is one aspect of this greater emergent consciousness that we can observe and at least partially comprehend.
Other interesting what-ifs from the humans-as-neurons metaphor
If humans are neurons in the brain of a greater consciousness, what else could make up the rest of the brain? Afterall, human brains aren’t just neurons. In fact, in the central nervous system, glial cells (of which there are many types) are even more numerous than neurons. What if dogs (and other organisms that we perceive to have some level of consciousness and ability to communicate) formed an integral part of this greater consciousness?
What if altruism in humans is really the immune system of this consciousness attempting to protect its own health? In his book Blessed Unrest, Paul Hawken has a chapter called “Immunity” that makes a similar point and highlights the fact that ideas of earth (Gaia) or humanity being single living entities have been around for centuries.
Where else can we take this concept? Do you think some greater emergent consciousness will ever arise? Has it already? What form does it or will it take?
I originally posted this at: https://medium.com/@johnniec/systems-and-consciousness-2544ee9b6273 and got 2 whole reads!
Interesting post. I speak from experience when I say that greater forms of consciousness can arise and indeed do when groups of people work together towards a common goal. It is also possible to communicate with them. Research the term egregore if you want to know more.
It's an interesting read, but posts without pics are often overlooked :)
Good point! I usually try to stick to my own photos and haven't thought of one that would fit here yet. I dread figuring out permissions and attribution on other people's images.
I think 99% of the pics here are obtained through Google Images, no questions asked. And after 7 days, posts cannot be edited any more (they are supposedly encrypted on the blockchain), so I can't even imagine what would happen if a copyright claim was made after that period.